By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In a significant step toward advancing the rights of women and children across Africa, Mrs. Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), chaired the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of 2025.
Held virtually, the meeting brought together distinguished First Ladies from Angola, Malawi, Nigeria, and Kenya, as well as representatives from Congo, Ethiopia, and Equatorial Guinea.
The session focused on deepening regional collaboration among First Ladies and advancing OAFLAD’s mission to support the health, education, and social welfare of women and children. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Bio emphasized the collective power of First Ladies in driving change across the continent.
“Together, we can create a unified front to address pressing issues affecting our communities,” she stated.
The forum served as a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and strategies to enhance engagement with OAFLAD’s programs. Discussions centered on strengthening support for ongoing initiatives and increasing participation in campaigns aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
Regional cooperation emerged as a key theme, with delegates acknowledging the shared challenges faced by women and children across Africa. By uniting their voices and influence, the First Ladies aim to advocate for policies that prioritize gender equality, child protection, and inclusive development.
As OAFLAD continues to grow in visibility and impact, this meeting marked a pivotal moment in reinforcing solidarity among African First Ladies and driving forward the organization’s goals.
In conclusion, with a shared commitment to transformative action, the participating First Ladies left the meeting inspired and determined to implement the collaborative strategies discussed signalling a promising future for OAFLAD and its mission to uplift women and children across the continent.
